Laraia, Donato

One of the most prominent business person of Italian descent! He was born in Corleto Perticara and came to the United States in 1873 at age 6 and thru hard work, honesty and dedication he built one of the most successful banks in Hartford. The Laraia bank, together with the Andretta Pallotti bank dominated banking in the East Side of Hartford from 1905 to the Great Depression. So states his obituary: " It was said of him that he regarded his business as a sacred trust!"

Donato was not only a business person but also a most visible community leader within the Italian community.